Unlike most tanks, which prioritize firepower and speed, the Merkava was designed to maximize crew survivability.
By Hezy Laing
The Merkava tank, the backbone of Israel’s Armored Corps, is widely regarded as one of the world’s best tanks, born out of necessity and refined through decades of combat experience.
The story of the Merkava begins in the aftermath of the 1967 Six-Day War and the 1973 Yom Kippur War, when Israel realized the vulnerability of relying on foreign suppliers for its armored forces.
In 1970, under the leadership of Major General Israel “Talik” Tal, the Ministry of Defense established the Merkava and Armored Vehicles Directorate to design and produce a wholly indigenous main battle tank.
The first model, the Merkava Mark I, entered service in 1979.
It was revolutionary in design, with a front-mounted engine to provide extra protection for the crew, and a rear compartment that could carry infantry or evacuate wounded soldiers—features rarely seen in Western or Soviet tanks.
The Merkava Mark II, introduced in 1983, improved armor and fire control systems.
The Merkava Mark III in 1990 added a 120 mm smoothbore gun and advanced modular armor.
The current Merkava Mark IV, operational since 2004, weighs 65 tons and integrates the Trophy Active Protection System, capable of intercepting incoming anti-tank missiles.
It has been battle-tested in conflicts from Lebanon to Gaza, proving its survivability and lethality.
Production numbers include approximately 250 Mark I units, 580 Mark II, 780 Mark III, and over 600 Mark IV tanks, with continuous upgrades.
What makes the Merkava unique is its crew-first philosophy.
Unlike most tanks, which prioritize firepower and speed, the Merkava was designed to maximize crew survivability.
Its unconventional layout, modular armor, and ability to function as both tank and armored personnel carrier distinguish it from contemporaries like the American M1 Abrams, German Leopard 2, or Russian T-90.
Despite its success, Israel has largely refrained from exporting the Merkava.
Officially, this is due to the tank’s sensitive technologies and Israel’s desire to maintain a strategic edge.
While prototypes were offered abroad, including to Turkey and Switzerland, no foreign sales materialized.
Instead, Israel has exported subsystems such as the Trophy APS.
Today, the Merkava remains a symbol of Israeli innovation and resilience.
Conceived in response to existential threats, it has evolved into one of the most advanced tanks in the world, embodying Israel’s determination to protect its soldiers and secure its future.
